Oriental Luncheon Salad
A crisp, refreshing Asian-inspired salad featuring crunchy noodles, fresh vegetables, and protein, perfect for light lunches or potlucks with bold flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Shred or tear the lettuce into a large bowl.
- Add thinly sliced green onions, including the green parts of the top.
- Add cooked shrimp or meat and the partly thawed peas.
- Just before serving, toss in the crispy Chinese noodles and dress with French dressing to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil to the dressing. If shrimp isn't available, canned tuna is a great alternative, or try using leftover roast chicken. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can add an extra layer of freshness. This salad is versatile and can be customized with other ingredients from your favorite Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Oriental Luncheon Salad as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish at dinner. It pairs beautifully with Seafood Egg Rolls for a complete meal. For added protein, consider serving with a side of Low-Fat Shrimp Fried Rice. A chilled white wine or iced tea makes a perfect beverage pairing.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the crispy Chinese noodles separate until serving to maintain their crunch. Leftovers can be enjoyed cold the next day, but if you want to reheat any proteins, do so gently in a microwave to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oriental Luncheon Salad contains roughly 86 calories, with 8g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of lettuce for this salad?
Yes, you can substitute romaine, spinach, or even mixed greens for the head of lettuce. Each type will offer a different texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences.
Is there a vegetarian option for this salad?
Absolutely! You can replace the shrimp or meat with tofu or additional vegetables like bell peppers and carrots. Adding chickpeas or edamame can also provide protein while keeping it vegetarian.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the salad heartier, consider adding cooked quinoa or rice, which will complement the flavors well. You could also toss in some avocado for creaminess or additional chopped nuts for crunch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).